When a program is accredited it shows that they have reached a higher level of quality programming, staff qualifications and policy development. A program can be accredited after it demonstrates that it has worked through a proscribed and rigorous process to provide a higher standard of Quality Early Learning and Care for the children and families in its care.

Alberta is currently the first and only province in Canada that offers parents the convenience of easing their choice when picking a suitable Quality Early Learning and Care environment for their children.  Through agencies  like the Alberta Association for the Accreditation of Early Learning and Care Services (AAELCS), and the Canadian Accreditation Council (CAC), parents will recognize a higher quality of care, professionalism and service in their chosen Early Learning and Care Centre.

Accreditation in Alberta was first developed in Alberta by a joint effort between the Alberta Child Care Association, the Canadian Child Care Federation, the Provincial Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and FRP Canada.  Accredited centres continually update their policies and upgrad their practice as part of the Accreditation process. 

The Alberta Child Care Association is proud to have played a part in this important process to further advance the quality of Early Learning and Care programs for the provinces children and families.

CAC is a Canadian based, non-profit accrediting body grounded in its strong 30 year grass roots history and its commitment to an evolving future of excellence in practice.

We have grown from primarily accrediting child welfare programs to accrediting a wide range of programs for children, adults and families.

Our focus of operations has expanded from Alberta, to working with programs in other parts of Canada.

CAC supports organizations to utilize the accreditation process to evaluate their policies and practice, while learning and growing as part of the experience.